Method of identifying user of scanning apparatus

ABSTRACT

A method of operating a scanning apparatus including a transparent platen, a memory, a lid to cover the transparent platen, and a door in the lid, the method includes exposing a portion of the transparent platen through the door in the lid; placing a user identifier into the door in the lid; providing a user identification initiation signal; emitting light from a light source to illuminate the exposed portion of the transparent platen; moving a photosensor array to scan the user identifier through the exposed portion of the transparent platen; providing a digitized image of the user identifier from the scan by the photosensor array; comparing the digitized image to a stored pattern; and authorizing a function of the scanning apparatus if it is determined that the digitized image of the user identifier adequately matches the stored pattern.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Reference is made to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. ______ (D96694), filed concurrently herewith,entitled: “User Identification for Scanning Apparatus”, the disclosureof which is incorporated herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the identification of a user of ascanning apparatus, whether as a separate scanning apparatus or as partof a copier, multifunction printer, or other such apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Optical scanners operate by imaging an object (e.g. a document) with alight source, and sensing a resultant light signal with an opticalsensor array. Each optical sensor or photoreceptor in the arraygenerates a data signal representative of the intensity of lightimpinged thereon for a corresponding portion of the imaged object. Thedata signals from the array sensors are then processed (typicallydigitized) and stored in a temporary memory such as a semiconductormemory or on a hard disk of a computer, for example, for subsequentmanipulation and printing or display, such as on a computer monitor. Theimage of the scanned object is projected onto the optical photosensorarray incrementally by use of a moving scan line. The moving scan lineis produced either by moving the document with respect to a scanneroptical assembly, or by moving the scanner optical assembly relative tothe document. Either or both of these methods may be embodied in a flatbed scanner, multi-function printer, or any scanner having manual andautomatic feed capabilities.

Various types of photosensor devices may be used in optical scanners.For example, a commonly used photosensor device is the charge coupleddevice (CCD). A CCD builds up an electrical charge in response toexposure to light. The size of the electrical charge build up isdependent on the intensity and the duration of the light exposure. Inoptical scanners, CCD cells are aligned in a linear array. The length ofthe linear array is typically somewhat less than the length or width ofthe document scanning region. Each photoreceptor of the CCD has aportion of a scan line image impinged thereon as the scan line sweepsacross the scanned object. The charge built up in each of the pixels ismeasured and discharged at regular “sampling intervals.” In most modernoptical scanners, the sampling intervals of the CCD arrays are fixed.

An image of a scan line portion of a document is projected onto thescanner's linear photosensor array by scanner optics. In such CCDscanners, the scanner optics include an imaging lens which typicallyreduces considerably the size of the projected image from its originalsize. The scanner optics provide good depth of field in a CCD scanner.However, because the photoreceptors are so small in the CCD device, afairly strong light source such as a fluorescent lamp is needed toilluminate the scan line image region of the document in order toprovide sufficient signal strength at each photoreceptor site.

A second type of scanner is the contact image sensor (CIS) scanner. ACIS scanner includes a contact image sensor having a length that issubstantially equal to the width of the scanning region. Thephotoreceptors in a CIS are substantially the same size as the pixelresolution of the scanner. Because the photoreceptors in the CIS are somuch larger than they are in a CCD, a lower power light source (such asone or more LED's) is sufficient to provide enough illumination in thescan line image region. The CIS has a short depth of field and istypically mounted beneath the transparent platen upon which the documentis placed. One or more rollers in the CIS carriage are biased againstthe bottom of the transparent platen so that the CIS is always atsubstantially the same distance from the top of the transparent platen.

Photoreceptors in a CCD or CIS scanner linear photosensor array arealigned in a “cross” direction, i.e., a direction parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the scan line image which is projected thereon. Thedirection perpendicular to the “cross” direction will be referred toherein as the “scan” direction (i.e., paper or sensor linear arraymovement direction for scanning of the image).

At any instant when an object is being scanned, each photoreceptor inthe photosensor array has a corresponding area on the object which isbeing imaged thereon. This corresponding area on the scanned object isreferred to herein as a pixel. An area on a scanned object correspondingto the entire extent of the linear photosensor array is referred toherein as a scan line. For descriptive purposes, a scanned object isconsidered to have a series of fixed adjacently positioned scan lines.Further, scanners are typically operated at a scan line sweep rate suchthat one scan line width is traversed during each sampling interval.

In addition, when working with cut sheet print media, a copying,scanning or multifunction printing apparatus may provide automaticdocument feed, as well as manual document placement capabilities. Anautomatic document feeder (ADF) mechanism is capable of automaticallyloading and unloading single sheets sequentially to a functional stationwhere the apparatus performs an operation, e.g., sequentially scanningthe fed document sheets for copying, faxing, displaying on a computermonitor, or the like. Following the operation, the ADF then off-loads asheet and feeds the immediately following sheet of the document to thefunctional station. A sequential flow of sheets by the ADF andpositioning without the necessity of manual handling reduces the timerequired to accomplish the complete functional operation. An ADF may bedesigned to scan single-sided originals or two-sided originals.

Each document fed into the ADF is conveyed to an automatic scanningregion where the document is scanned by an image sensor and then thedocument is conveyed to a point outside the ADF, such as a documentoutput tray. During ADF operation, the image sensor remains fixed at theautomatic scanning region “reading” or scanning the image as thedocument is conveyed past the scanning point by the ADF. During manualscanning, the document lays flat on and covers a portion of the flatplaten while the image scanner is moved under the platen the length (orwidth) of the document to read or scan the document. In many flatbedscanners, the scanning point or portion of the flat platen used to scana document provided by the ADF is separate and distinct from the portionof the flat platen utilized to scan a document manually positioned onthe plate.

Scanners also typically include a lid that covers the transparentplaten. In manual document placement operation, the lid is lifted sothat the user can place the document on the transparent platen and alignit properly. The lid is then closed prior to scanning. For scanners thathave an ADF, the bottom of the ADF can function as the lid that coversthe transparent platen.

Many scanners or multifunction printers, whether in a home, office, orother public environment, have multiple users, and can optionally benetworked. Such a scanner or multifunction printer can storeuser-preferred default settings, or user-confidential information in itsnon-volatile storage, e.g. email profiles (username, passwords, andcontacts). For a walk-up user who wishes to retrieve user-specificinformation or settings, the scanner or multifunction printer typicallyrequires the user to login with a password or personal identificationnumber code. However, this requires users to remember yet one morepassword or PIN number. An alternative is to use biometric scanners suchas a thumb scanner or voice recognition to identify the user. However,this would require additional components and hardware costs.

What is needed is a reliable and easy-to-use way to identify users ofscanners or multifunction printers without adding significant cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of theproblems set forth above. Briefly summarized, according to one aspect ofthe invention, the invention resides in a method of operating a scanningapparatus including a transparent platen, a memory, a lid to cover thetransparent platen, and a door in the lid, the method comprisingexposing a portion of the transparent platen through the door in thelid; placing a user identifier into the door in the lid; providing auser identification initiation signal; emitting light from a lightsource to illuminate the exposed portion of the transparent platen;moving a photosensor array to scan the user identifier through theexposed portion of the transparent platen; providing a digitized imageof the user identifier from the scan by the photosensor array; comparingthe digitized image to a stored pattern; and authorizing a function ofthe scanning apparatus if it is determined that the digitized image ofthe user identifier adequately matches the stored pattern.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon areading of the following detailed description when taken in conjunctionwith the drawings wherein there is shown and described an illustrativeembodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art multifunction printer;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a multifunction printer according to anembodiment of the present invention with the scanner lid closed and thedoor closed;

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2, but with the door open;

FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 2, but with the scanner lid open;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a multifunction printer according to anembodiment of the present invention including a reflective backingplate;

FIG. 6, is a perspective view of a multifunction printer having anautomatic document feeder according to an embodiment of the presentinvention with the ADF lid closed and the door closed;

FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6, but with the ADF lid open; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing how the different parts of themultifunction printer are related to one another and to externalcomputers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art multifunction printer 10including a scanning apparatus 130 and a printing apparatus 190. In thisview, the front portion of scanning apparatus 130 is cut away in orderto show internal features of the scanning apparatus more clearly.Multifunction printer 10 can do printing, scanning of documents, orcopying of documents (i.e. printing plus scanning).

Control panel 160 for the apparatus is shown in FIG. 1 as being locatedon the front of printing apparatus 190, but this was done partly forillustrative purposes so as not to obscure features of the scanningapparatus 130. Control panel 160 could alternatively be located on thescanning apparatus 130. Control panel 160 can include display 162 and avariety of control buttons 164, which can include a Start button. Forcases where display 162 is a touch screen, control buttons 164 can beintegrated into the touch screen rather than being separate from it.Control panel 160 can also be detachable from the apparatus, for exampleas a tablet. Control panel 160 can be a virtual front panel softwareapplication running on a mobile device, for example a smart phone,communicating to the apparatus wirelessly or by wired connection.

Scanning apparatus 130 includes scanning apparatus body 132 and scannerlid 110, which is joined to scanning apparatus body 132 by hinge 112.The surface of scanning apparatus body 132 that is covered by scannerlid 110 when scanner lid 110 is closed includes a frame 136. Transparentplaten 140 (typically a flat piece of glass) is inset within the frame136. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the surface of the transparentplaten 140 is lower than the surface of frame 136 so that there is anoffset 138. Transparent platen 140 is not covered by scanner lid 110when the scanner lid is open as it is in FIG. 1.

Below transparent platen 140 is movable sensor array module 150. In theexample shown in FIG. 1, sensor array module 150 includes a photosensorarray (such as a contact image sensor) 152 extending the width of thetransparent platen 140, a roller 154 that is biased into contact withthe underside of the transparent platen 140, and a light source 156 thatilluminates a scan line of a document or other item (not shown) that isplaced on top of transparent platen 140. A light guide and other optics(not shown) can also be included in sensor array module 150. Sensorarray module 150 is moved back and forth along scanning guide 134 indirection 135 across the length of transparent platen 140 in order toscan the document or other item, receiving reflected light from the itemthrough the transparent platen 140 scan line by scan line and convertingthe reflected light into electrical signals. A controller (not shown)converts the electrical signals into digitized data to form a digitizedimage of the item. Scanning guide 134 can be a round rail, a rack andpinion or other guiding member that can use the power of a motor (notshown) to provide a linear motion along the scanning direction 135. InFIG. 1, sensor array module 150 is parked in its home position near oneend of the transparent platen 140. The home position is where sensorarray module 150 returns between scanning operations.

Scanner lid 110 includes a reflective backing plate 114. The thicknessof reflective backing plate 114 is accommodated in offset 138 betweenframe 136 and the top surface of transparent platen 140 when scanner lid110 is closed. Reflective backing plate 114 can be resiliently mountedon scanner lid 110, so that reflective backing plate 114 is effective inpressing documents of various thicknesses against transparent platen140. Typically reflective backing plate 114 is white in the documentscanning region. Since many documents are printed on white paper, awhite reflective backing plate 114 results in an overall whitebackground, even for documents of sizes that are smaller than thescanning region. For other types of objects to be scanned, such asphotos, the white reflective backing plate 114 produces a cleanbackground that provides good contrast for the photos. In other scanningapparatus designs, the reflective backing function is integrated intoscanner lid 110.

FIGS. 2 to 4 are perspective views of a multifunction printer 100according to an embodiment of the present invention. The primarydifference between the embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 4 and the prior artmultifunction printer 10 is that a door 120 is included in scanner lid110. Door 120 is configured to expose a portion 123 (see FIG. 4) oftransparent platen 140 when scanner lid 110 is closed (coveringtransparent platen 140), as it is in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the example shownin FIGS. 2 and 3, door 120 can be opened by sliding it parallel to thesurface of scanning lid 110 in the direction of the arrow to reveal awindow 121 through which portion 123 of transparent platen 140 isexposed. Window 121 can be an opening through which a finger or thumbcan be placed directly on the transparent platen 140 for useridentification by scanning when scanner lid 110 is closed.Alternatively, window 121 can include a transparent member, such thatthe user places his finger or thumb on the transparent member ratherthan directly on the transparent platen 140, in order to reduce theoccurrences of finger prints on the transparent platen 140. In theexample shown in FIG. 4, the white reflective backing feature isintegrated into scanner lid 110. In such an example, door 120 would havea white reflective underside that is configured to face transparentplaten 140.

Types of doors 120 other than the sliding door shown in FIGS. 2 and 3are also possible. A hinged door (not shown) that pivots open is analternative way to expose a portion of the transparent platen forplacement of a finger or thumb while scanner lid 110 is closed. For thecase where the user identifier is an identification card having a codedpattern (such as a bar code or a two dimensional pattern) that can beoptically scanned, an access slot door 122 in the side of scanner lid110 is a suitable type of door to expose a portion of the transparentplaten 140 to the identification card when the scanner lid 110 isclosed. In such a case, the user inserts the identification card intoaccess slot door 122 while scanner lid 110 is closed in order tooptically scan the identification card.

Whether the user places a thumb or finger into a window 121 revealed byopening a door 120 in the top of scanner lid 110, or inserts anidentification card into an access slot door 122 in the side of scannerlid 110, the identification sequence can be initiated by the userpressing a button 164 on control panel 160 when the user identifier isin place. Positioning control panel 160 on scanning apparatus 130 neardoor 120 or access slot door 122, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, facilitatespushing the appropriate user identification button 164. The initiationof the identification sequence can be done by pressing a physical button164 on control panel 160 or a virtual button on a software application.Initiation of user identification can also be voice-activated,light-activated, pressure-activated, or timer-activated after the dooris opened.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment where reflectivebacking plate 114 is a separate member from scanner lid 110. In such acase reflective backing plate 114 can have a cutout 115 corresponding tothe position of window 121. Optionally in such a case, the door inscanner lid 110 can have a white reflective member that projects intocutout 115 when the door is closed. In such a case, a hinged door may bepreferable to a sliding door. Whether the white reflective function isintegrated into the bottom of scanner lid 110 (as in FIG. 4), orprovided by a reflective backing plate 114, it is beneficial for thedoor 120 to include a white reflective portion that is configured toface the transparent platen 140. It is also advantageous for the whitereflective portion of the door to be complementary in shape to the whitereflective portion of the scanner lid 110. For embodiments having anaccess slot door 122 in the side of scanner lid 110, but not a door 120on the top of scanner lid 110, a cutout in the reflective backing plate114 may not be required. Since reflective backing plate 114 is typicallyresiliently mounted on the bottom of scanner lid 110, if the edge ofreflective backing plate 114 facing access slot door 122 is beveledupward toward scanner lid 110, a user identification card inserted intoaccess slot door 122 can displace reflective backing plate 114 upwardand out of the way during the step of user identification.

The size of the portion 123 of the transparent platen 140 that isexposed through door 120 or access slot door 122 can be relativelysmall. It is advantageous for the size of the exposed portion 123 to bethe size of a typical finger or thumb (approximately 1 inch by threequarters of an inch) for the case of user identification by scanning ahuman digit. It may be preferable to oversize the opening in order toaccommodate a range of sizes. However, the exposed portion wouldtypically not need to be larger than about 1 to 2 square inches. It ispreferable to keep the size of the window 121 small in order to providea predictable location for the position of the finger or thumb, and torestrict movement of the finger or thumb during scanning foridentification. A further advantage of keeping the size of window 121small is that less light from light source 156 would shine into theuser's eyes during user identification. Optionally, not only can door120 and window 121 be sized to fit a human digit, they can also beshaped to fit a human digit. For embodiments where a user identificationcard is inserted into access slot door 122, the exposed region 123 canalso be on the order of 1 to 3 square inches. Typically, the size of thetransparent platen 140 is greater than 100 square inches in order toaccommodate both letter-sized paper and A4 paper, so the portion 123that is exposed to the user identifier has an area that is typicallyless than three percent of the area of the transparent platen 140.

There are a variety of considerations for positioning door 120 and/oraccess slot door 122. First of all, since the user typically approachesthe scanning apparatus 130 or multifunction printer 100 from the front(as viewed in FIGS. 2 to 5), a position indicated as shown is convenientfor inserting the user identifier. Secondly, to reduce the time requirefor scanning, it is advantageous to position the door 120 and/or accessslot door 122 near the home position of sensor array module 150, so thatthe sensor array module 150 does not need to be moved very far beforescanning the user identifier. Because the user identifier is typicallysmall, the entire scanning operation for identification preferably cantake less than 5 seconds. Much longer than that could be objectionableto the user. A further consideration is the impact of the presence ofdoor 120 on the quality of image scanning. Even though door 120 includesa white reflective portion that faces the transparent platen 140 and iscomplementary in shape to the white reflective region of the scanner lid110, at the boundary between the white reflective portion of the doorand the white reflective region of the lid there can be a dark outlineor shadow that can impact image quality. Methods are described below forcircumventing image quality defects. However, another countermeasure isto position door 120 in a region that is away from critical scanningregions of most documents. Typically, a reference corner is indicated onscanning apparatus 130 for the user to bank a corner of his documentagainst. In FIGS. 4 and 5 a reference corner 124 is designated at alocation that is at an opposite end of transparent platen 140 relativeto the end where door 120 and exposed portion 123 are located. Forsmaller documents such as 4″×6″ photographs, the outline of door 120 isfar away from the document. Even for letter sized documents, the outlineof door 120 will be at or beyond the margin of the document beingscanned.

For ease in document handling, many scanners, copiers and multifunctionprinters include an automatic document feeder. FIGS. 6 and 7 showperspective views of a multifunction printer 101, similar to themultifunction printer 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, but also includingautomatic document feeder (ADF) 180, and other associated modifications.ADF 180 includes an input tray 182 where documents for scanning orcopying are stacked, output tray 184 for receiving scanned documents,document feed rollers 186 for moving the documents, and reflectivebacking strip 188 for providing a white background (similar to thefunction of reflective backing plate 114). The under side 111 of ADF 180functions similar to scanner lid 110 and can include a reflectivebacking plate 114. Opening or closing ADF “lid” 180 is thereforeequivalent to opening or closing a scanner lid. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 7, a separate transparent platen region 142 is provided forscanning documents being fed by ADF 180. Frame 136 includes an offsetregion 139 in which transparent platen region 142 is set, so that offsetregion 139 can accommodate reflective backing strip 188 when ADF 180 isclosed over transparent platen 140. In other embodiments, the region forscanning of documents being fed by ADF 180 can be an extension of thetransparent platen 140, in which case a separate transparent platenregion 142 and a separate reflective backing strip 188 would not berequired. For documents to be scanned using ADF 180, sensor array module150 is moved to a position below transparent platen region 142 and isheld parked in position while ADF 180 feeds documents past it, so thatthere is still relative motion between the document and the photosensorarray 152 and an image can be composed one scan line at a time. As inthe previous embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-5, the embodiment of FIGS. 6and 7 having an ADF 180 also include a door 120 and an access slot door122 in order to expose a portion 123 of transparent platen 140 when theADF 180 is closed over the transparent platen 140. It can beadvantageous to locate door 120 and/or access slot door 122 at or nearan end of transparent platen 140 that is opposite the end where sensorarray module 150 is parked below transparent platen region 142 duringADF scanning, in order to conveniently position the user identificationaccess away from the input tray 182 and the ADF unit 180.

Whether scanning apparatus 130 is a separate unit or is incorporatedinto a multifunction printer or copier, scanning apparatus 130 will havea controller 170 including hardware and software or firmware. FIG. 8schematically shows controller 170 and its relationship with otherportions of scanning apparatus 130, printing apparatus 190 andassociated computers. In normal scanning operation in the active mode ofoperation, a user can initiate a scanning operation from control panel160, or alternatively a scanning job can be initiated from host computer171 or network computer 175 to which the scanning apparatus 130 ormultifunction printer 100 is connected. In either case a signal is sentto controller 170, which then sends a signal to power source 174 to turnon light source 156 and also to operate motor 176 in order to movesensor array module 150 along scanning direction 135. As sensor arraymodule 150 is moved, light from light source 156 reflects off a documentor other object that is placed on transparent platen 140 (or off theuser identifier in the region of door 120 during user identification),and impinges on photosensor array 152 one scan line at a time. A scanline signal is sent from photosensor array 152 to controller 170 whereit may be further processed before sending it to memory 172 (or to hostcomputer 171) in order to compose an entire scanned image signal, scanline by scan line. When the scan is completed, controller 170 sends asignal to power source 174 to send power to motor 176 in order to returnsensor array module 150 to its home position.

Operation of user identification and function authorization by ascanning apparatus or a multifunction printer including a scanningapparatus according to embodiments of the invention will next bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 2 through 8. The portion 123 oftransparent platen 140 is exposed through a door 120 or access slot door122 in scanner lid 110 or in ADF 180. A user identifier, such as a humandigit or an identification card, is placed into the door 120 afteropening it, or is placed into access slot door 122 by inserting the useridentifier. A user identification initiation signal is provided, forexample by pressing a button 164 on control panel 160. Alternatively,there is a sensor (not shown) that detects when door 120 has been openedor when an identification card has been inserted into access slot door122, and the sensor sends the user identification initiation signal.Light is then emitted from light source 156 to illuminate the exposedportion 123 of the transparent platen 140. If necessary, light source156 is moved into position near exposed portion 122. Photosensor array152 is moved to scan the user identifier through the exposed portion 123of the transparent platen 140. During this step it is only necessary tomove the photosensor array 152 across the exposed portion 123, notacross the entire transparent platen 140. It is also only necessary toprocess signals from the part of the photosensor array 152 that crossthe exposed portion 123 during scanning, rather than processing signalsfrom the entire photosensor array 152. As a result, scanning of the useridentifier can be done relatively quickly. The image of the useridentifier is digitized by controller 170. The digitized image iscompared to patterns that are stored in nonvolatile memory 172. Apredetermined function of the scanning apparatus or multifunctionprinter is then authorized by authorization module 177 (typically infirmware) if it is determined that the digitized image of the useridentifier adequately matches one of the stored patterns in memory 172.The particular function that is authorized can depend upon which storedpattern is matched.

As indicated above, in some embodiments, a transparent member can belocated near door 120 such that the user does not put his thumb orfinger into direct contact with the transparent platen 140, but ratherin contact with the transparent member, and the thumb or finger isscanned through the exposed portion of the transparent platen andthrough the transparent member.

If the match between the digitized image of the user identifier and apattern stored in memory 172 is determined to be adequate, a useridentification message can be displayed on display 162, acknowledgingfor example that the user has logged in and providing a greetingmessage. The message can also include a plurality of authorizedfunctions that the user can select among, for example using buttons 164.Different messages would typically be provided for different identifiedusers. If no adequate match is found between the digitized image of theuser identifier and a pattern stored in memory 172, a message can bedisplayed on display 160 that user access is denied. Alternatively thedisplay can provide a user profile identification message. Such amessage could invite the user to scan a user identifier (a finger, athumb or an identification card) and associate his name with the useridentifier. The digitized image of the scanned user identifier can thenbe stored in nonvolatile memory 172 along with the user's name and otherrelated information.

As indicated above, because there can be a visible outline at the borderbetween door 120 and the white reflective region of scanner lid 110 orreflective backing plate 114, it can be useful to digitally correctscanned images to remove any artifacts. It has been found that for manyitems, including documents on sufficiently heavy paper (plain paper orspecial paper for photos), the visible outline of the door does not showup in the scanned image and no correction is needed. However for lighterweight papers or transparent objects, the outline of the door 120 can bedetected by the photosensor array 152. In addition, for documents thatdo not cover the exposed portion 123 of transparent platen 140, theoutline of door 120 can be detected by photosensor array 152 in theregion beyond the document. Controller 170 can be provided with firmwarefor digital correction of the image to remove artifacts related to theborder of door 120. For cases where the border of door 120 can be seenthrough the scanned item, the digital correction can includeinterpolation between pixels inside exposed portion 123 of transparentplaten 140 and nearby pixels that are outside exposed portion 123, inorder to remove door border image artifacts. For cases where thedocument or other scanned item does not cover over the exposed portion123, the outline of the door 120 can be stored in memory 172 anddigitally whited out or cropped out of the scanned image.

A variety of predetermined functions can be authorized when a particularuser is identified by matching the image of the user identifier to astored pattern in memory. For example, memory 172 can include an e-mailaddress account for a particular user. After the user has scanned anitem to provide a digitized image of the item, the authorization stepcan authorize the e-mailing of the digitized image to an e-mail addressin the e-mail address account. Alternatively, the authorized functioncan be to allow e-mailing of the digitized image to an e-mail addressthat the user enters on the display using a data entry device.

In some instances confidential information can be stored for aparticular user and the authorization function can be the provision ofthe confidential information after the match between the user identifierand appropriate stored pattern in memory has been determined to beadequate.

In instances where the scanning apparatus 130 or multifunction printer100 is connected to a host computer 171 or network computer 175 (such asa network server), it is not required that the steps of comparing thedigitized image to a stored pattern and authorizing the function be donewithin the scanning apparatus 130 or multifunction printer 100. In suchcases the comparison and authorization steps can be done in the hostcomputer 171 or network computer 175. Some of the functions of memory172 and controller 170 in such instances reside within the host computer171 or network computer 175.

For a multifunction printer 100, additional functions for authorizationcan be included. For example, if the identified user has previouslyselected default settings of the multifunction printer for storage inmemory 172 (such as a high quality print mode rather than a normal printmode) the user's document(s) can be printed with those default settings.Optionally, the default settings can be displayed on display 162 so thatthe user can first confirm whether he wants to use his usual defaultsettings or modify the settings before operating the multifunctionprinter.

For multifunction printers connected to a network, further authorizedfunctions can be provided. For example, memory 172 can include a list ofnetwork connection sites for a particular user. If it is determined thatthe digitized image of the user identifier adequately matches a storedpattern corresponding to the particular user, the list of networkconnection sites can be displayed on display 162. Further, the user canselect a listed network connection site and content from the selectedsite can be displayed. Optionally the user can then choose to printcontent from the selected site using multifunction printer 100.

In some instances a network computer 175 that is connected tomultifunction printer 100 includes a folder that is protected by a username and password, and the step of authorizing a function includesallowing the identified user to access the folder. In other instances,the memory 172 includes a stored pattern of an administrator identifier,and the step of authorizing a function includes allowing the identifieduser (i.e. the administrator) to access privileged settings of themultifunction printer.

In some instances a user will want to print a confidential document onmultifunction printer 100 from a network computer 175 that is notco-located with the multifunction printer. In such cases, printing of asecured print job from the network computer 175 can be delayed until theuser logs into the multifunction printer by having his user identifierscanned and matched to his stored pattern in memory.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference tocertain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood thatvariations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scopeof the invention.

PARTS LIST

-   10 Prior art multifunction printer-   100 Multifunction printer-   101 Multifunction printer with automatic document feeder-   110 Scanner lid-   111 Under side of automatic document feeder-   112 Hinge-   114 Reflective backing plate-   115 Cutout-   120 Door-   121 Window-   122 Access slot door-   123 Portion (of transparent platen that is exposed)-   124 Reference corner-   130 Scanning apparatus-   132 Scanning apparatus body-   134 Scanning guide-   135 Scanning direction-   136 Frame-   138 Offset (for reflective backing plate)-   139 Offset for reflective backing strip 188-   140 Transparent platen-   142 Transparent platen region for automatic document feeder-   150 Sensor array module-   152 Photosensor array-   154 Roller of sensor array module-   156 Light source-   160 Control panel-   162 Display-   164 Control buttons-   170 Controller-   171 Host computer-   172 Memory-   174 Power source-   175 Network computer-   176 Motor-   177 Authorization module-   180 Automatic document feeder-   182 Input tray-   184 Output tray-   186 Document feed rollers-   188 Reflective backing strip for automatic document feeder-   190 Printing apparatus

1. A method of operating a scanning apparatus including a transparentplaten, a memory, a lid to cover the transparent platen, and a door inthe lid, the method comprising: exposing a portion of the transparentplaten through the door in the lid; placing a user identifier into thedoor in the lid; providing a user identification initiation signal;emitting light from a light source to illuminate the exposed portion ofthe transparent platen; moving a photosensor array to scan the useridentifier through the exposed portion of the transparent platen;providing a digitized image of the user identifier from the scan by thephotosensor array; comparing the digitized image to a stored pattern;and authorizing a function of the scanning apparatus if it is determinedthat the digitized image of the user identifier adequately matches thestored pattern.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step ofplacing a user identifier into the door in the lid further comprisesplacing a thumb or finger of the user into the door in the lid.
 3. Themethod according to claim 1, the scanning apparatus further including atransparent member proximate the door in the lid, wherein the step ofmoving the photosensor array to scan the user identifier furthercomprises scanning the user identifier through the exposed portion ofthe transparent platen and through the transparent member.
 4. The methodaccording to claim 1, the scanning apparatus further including adisplay, wherein the method further comprises providing a useridentification message on the display if it is determined that thedigitized image of the user identifier adequately matches the storedpattern.
 5. The method according to claim 1, the scanning apparatusfurther including a display, wherein the method further comprisesproviding a user profile creation message on the display if thecontroller determines that the digitized image of the user identifierdoes not adequately match any stored pattern.
 6. The method according toclaim 1, the scanning apparatus further including a display, wherein themethod further comprises providing an access-denied message on thedisplay if the controller determines that the digitized image of theuser identifier does not adequately match any stored pattern.
 7. Themethod according to claim 1, the lid including a white reflective memberconfigured to face the transparent platen, and the door including awhite reflective portion configured to face the transparent platen,wherein the white reflective portion of the door is substantiallycomplementary in shape to the white reflective member of the lid.
 8. Themethod according to claim 7 further comprising: opening the lid; placingan item on the transparent platen; emitting light from the light sourceto illuminate the exposed portion of the transparent platen. moving thephotosensor array to scan the item through the transparent platen;providing a digitized image of the item from the scan by the photosensorarray; and digitally correcting the digitized image in a regionincluding a border between the white reflective member of the lid andthe white reflective portion of the door.
 9. The method according toclaim 1, the memory including an e-mail address account for a particularuser, wherein the method further comprises scanning an item to provide adigitized image of the item, and wherein the step of authorizing afunction further comprises authorizing the e-mailing of the digitizedimage to an e-mail address in the e-mail address account if it isdetermined that the digitized image of the user identifier adequatelymatches a stored pattern corresponding to the particular user.
 10. Themethod according to claim 1, the scanning apparatus further including adisplay and a data entry device, wherein the method further comprisesscanning an item to provide a digitized image of the item, and whereinthe step of authorizing a function further comprises authorizing thee-mailing of the digitized image to an e-mail address that is entered bythe user on the display using the data entry device.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 1, the memory including confidential information fora particular user, wherein the step of authorizing a function furthercomprises providing the confidential information if it is determinedthat the digitized image of the user identifier adequately matches astored pattern corresponding to the particular user.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the scanning apparatus is connected to anetwork server, and wherein the steps of comparing the digitized imageto a stored pattern and authorizing a function of the scanning apparatusare performed by the network server.
 13. A method of operating amultifunction printer including a printing apparatus and a scanningapparatus that includes a transparent platen, a memory; a lid to coverthe transparent platen, and a door in the lid, the method comprising:exposing a portion of the transparent platen of the scanning apparatusthrough the door in the lid; placing a user identifier into the door inthe lid; providing a user identification initiation signal; emittinglight from a light source to illuminate the exposed portion of thetransparent platen; moving a photosensor array to scan the useridentifier through the exposed portion of the transparent platen;providing a digitized image of the user identifier; comparing thedigitized image to a stored pattern; and authorizing a function of themultifunction printer if it is determined that the digitized image ofthe user identifier adequately matches the stored pattern.
 14. Themethod according to claim 12, the memory including default settings ofthe multifunction printer for a particular user, wherein the step ofauthorizing a function further comprises operating the multifunctionprinter using the default printer settings for the particular user if itis determined that the digitized image of the user identifier adequatelymatches a stored pattern corresponding to the particular user.
 15. Themethod according to claim 12, the multifunction printer furtherincluding a display and the memory including default settings of themultifunction printer for a particular user, wherein the step ofauthorizing a function further comprises displaying the default settingsof the multifunction printer for the particular user if it is determinedthat the digitized image of the user identifier adequately matches astored pattern corresponding to the particular user.
 16. The methodaccording to claim 15 further comprising allowing the user to confirmthe default settings or modify the settings before operating themultifunction printer.
 17. The method according to claim 13, themultifunction printer further including a display and the memoryincluding a list of network connection sites for a particular user,wherein the step of authorizing a function further comprises displayingthe list of network connection sites for the particular user if it isdetermined that the digitized image of the user identifier adequatelymatches a stored pattern corresponding to the particular user.
 18. Themethod according to claim 17 further comprising: connecting themultifunction printer to connect to a network connection site selectedby the user from the list; and displaying content from the networkconnection site.
 19. The method according to claim 18 further comprisingprinting content from the network connection site as directed by theuser.
 20. The method according to claim 13, wherein the multifunctionprinter is connected to a network server, and wherein the steps ofcomparing the digitized image to a stored pattern and authorizing afunction of the multifunction printer are performed by the networkserver.
 21. The method according to claim 13, wherein the multifunctionprinter is connected to a network computer including a folder protectedby a user name and password, wherein the step of authorizing a functionfurther comprises allowing the user to access the folder if it isdetermined that the digitized image of the user identifier adequatelymatches a stored pattern corresponding to the particular user.
 22. Themethod according to claim 13, wherein the memory includes a storedpattern of an administrator identifier, and wherein the step ofauthorizing a function further comprising allowing the user to accessprivileged settings of the multifunction printer if it is determinedthat the digitized image of the user identifier adequately matches thestored pattern corresponding to the administrator identifier.
 23. Themethod according to claim 13, wherein the multifunction printer isconnected to a network computer, further comprising the step of aparticular user sending a secured print job from the network computer,and wherein the step of authorizing a function further comprisesprinting the secured print job if it is determined that the digitizedimage of the user identifier adequately matches the stored patterncorresponding to the particular user who sent the secured print job. 24.The method according to claim 13, the lid including a white reflectivemember configured to face the transparent platen, and the door includinga white reflective portion configured to face the transparent platen,wherein the white reflective portion of the door is substantiallycomplementary in shape to the white reflective member of the lid. 25.The method according to claim 24 further comprising: opening the lid;placing an item on the transparent platen; emitting light from the lightsource to illuminate the exposed portion of the transparent platen.moving the photosensor array to scan the item through the transparentplaten; providing a digitized image of the item from the scan by thephotosensor array; digitally correcting the digitized image in a regionincluding a border between the white reflective member of the lid andthe white reflective portion of the door; and printing the digitallycorrected digitized image.